TIRANA, Oct 15 /ATA/ Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj today visited the Zogu i Zi area of Tirana to see first-hand the damage caused to businesses during the violent protests.
During the site visit, Ibrahimaj condemned the acts of destruction, saying they did not represent students’ demands but instead damaged property, livelihoods and the local economy.
“I have come to Zogu i Zi to document and see first-hand the damage caused to businesses by the protests. Those who want to destroy the city are not students. Nor are students those who want to damage and destroy the hard work and livelihoods of their peers’ parents,” the Minister said.
Ibrahimaj added that the protests were driven by interests seeking to hinder Albania’s progress towards European Union membership.
“It is the same force that has sought to hold Albania back. It is the same force that has repeatedly sought to destroy this country. But this time, it is acting with foreign support from those who do not want Albania to join the European Union or make progress,” Ibrahimaj said.
The Minister urged affected businesses to assess and document the damage they had suffered and submit their claims to the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, so that each case could be evaluated and followed up in cooperation with the relevant institutions.
She emphasised that every business supports employees and families whose livelihoods depend on its day-to-day operations.
“Behind every business are people, jobs and families who rely on their daily work,” the Minister concluded.
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